Expat Community > Philippines

Trebor5591
Joined 2018
Posts: 3

Crime and Personal Safety in the Philippines?

5 years ago

Hello all, new member here with a question for expats living in the Philippines. I married a Filipina 10 years ago from the provinces, 20 years my junior, she was a teacher by profession, and is a good woman from a good family. I am now retired in my 60s and considering moving to the Philippines, mainly because my wife has never seemed happy in the USA, really, she is shy and did not make friends here. She is always on the phone or Internet, talking to her sisters or parents. Economics is another reason--our small nestegg would go a lot further in the Philippines. But I know the USA and don't know much about the Philippines except millions are desperately poor in a way not found in the US. When courting my wife and after we were married, I visited her Island (Negros) 4 times and spent a total of only 8 weeks in the Philippines, so I am not an expert. I enjoyed my visits and my wife's family are friendly people and we are on good terms. The main thing that is holding me back on moving is thoughts about personal safety. I recall in Philippines, anytime I went out to the market or restaurant, or mall, being stared at almost all the time, which felt uncomfortable to me. Also in 4 short visits, staying at hotels or rooming houses, our room's doornob was tried once at midnight and one time we saw a guy on the 2nd story roof looking into our hotel window. I remember that some stores had guards armed with shotguns in front. How safe is the Philippines in your opinion? How many westerners are victims of crime in Philippines? How safe is the Philippines for a older western man? I thank you for sharing your perspective.

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